| The European Working Group on Asynchronous Circuit Design (ACiD-WG) has been supported by the EC since 1992, under Framework Programmes 3, 4 and now 5. ACiD-WG operates through a Technical Management Committee, consisting of established researchers in the field. The committee includes computer scientists and electrical engineers working in industry and academia. ACiD-WG encourages collaboration among individuals and teams who are researching into the theory and practice of asynchronous circuits and system. This research is concerned with design methodology and tools, and with demonstration of the potential benefits of this technology. Commercial exploitation has just begun within industry. ACiD-WG regularly organises or sponsors events, such as workshops, summer schools and symposia, that provide opportunities for discussion and information dissemination, and that are open to all interested parties.
OBJECTIVES
ACiD-WG aims at improving the systematic exchange of information and the forging of links between teams which carry out RTD or take-up activities around the theme of asynchronous circuit design. Its objectives in FP5 are as follows:
1. To encourage excellence in science and technology research pertaining to asynchronous circuits and systems;
2. To facilitate the development of methods and tools that are usable by engineers for the design of asynchronous VLSI systems;
3. To promote the adoption of asynchronous circuit design in industry.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Four workshops will be organised, hosted by members of the Working Group and will take place in different member and associated states of the European Union, on the theme of asynchronous circuits and systems. Attendance and presentations by all members of the Working Group and by industrial affiliates will be encouraged. Invitations to participate will also be extended to non-members of the Working Group. In addition, visits between members will take place and special interest group meetings will be organised. A summer school will be organised for the second year of the contract. The school will be hosted by a member of the Working Group. Additional teaching and training activities will take place. For example, ACiD-WG co-operates with the organisation of six-monthly meetings in the UK aimed at PhD students. Members of the Working Group will engage in activities aimed at generating interest and awareness in asynchronous circuits and systems, e.g., exploratory visits to companies, and tutorials at conferences. They will also disseminate the results of their research, e.g., posters and presentations at conferences, and publication of books and journal articles. Trip reports will be produced and linked to the ACiD-WG website.
To demonstrate the strength of European RTD in asynchronous circuits and systems, participation in the annual 'Async' international symposium is particularly desirable. A report 'Design, Automation and Test for Asynchronous Circuits and Systems' will be commissioned, which should be of value to potential users of asynchronous circuit technology and to tools developers. It will be followed up by an annual public overview of the status of asynchronous design in industrial use. |